News Archive

Events Archive

Systematic Mapping of Signal Transduction Pathways in Bacteria

Speaker

Jeffrey Skerker, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Date

January 23, 2008, 12:30 pm
– 2:30 pm

Location

Bldg: 221, Conference Room A216, Argonnne National Laboratory

Description

Two-component signal transduction, comprised of histidine kinases and response regulators, allows bacteria to sense and respond to their environment. Using a systems-level approach, we have rapidly identified pathways which control growth, morphogenesis, and cell cycle progression. Our methods are generally applicable to all bacteria which use this mode of signal transduction. In addition, we have uncovered fundamental principles of two-component signal transduction which explain how pathways remain insulated in vivo. Caulobacter, a member of the a-proteobacteria, is closely related to Zymomonas mobilis. How the knowledge gained in Caulobacter, and the tools we have developed, can be applied to bacteria important for lignocellulose biodegradation and ethanol production will be discussed.

Latest News

BiomeSense, a startup developing biosensors that can detect particular kinds of bacteria in patients’ feces that could help improve the efficacy of clinical trials, won the University of Chicago’s Innovation Fund finals and an investment of up to $250,000 from the college.